“A Vele Gonfie,” also known as “Ena Wertheimer,” is an oil on canvas artwork by John Singer Sargent, created in 1904. This portrait, exemplifying the Realism movement, measures 163.2 x 108 cm. Currently, the artwork is housed at Tate Britain in London, UK.
The artwork presents a striking depiction of a woman portrayed in a moment of graceful movement, poignantly capturing a snapshot of life. The woman is attired in a dark dress that elegantly contrasts with her luminous skin and the soft, gleaming fabric of her sleeve and hat. Sargent shows a mastery of light and shadow, focusing illumination on her face, hat, and sleeve, drawing the viewer’s eyes to her engaging expression and the textures of her clothing. Her body is turned, her gaze is indirect, yet there is a sense of familiarity and intimacy within her demeanour. The darkness enveloping her adds to the dramatic effect, creating a visual isolation that enhances her presence in the frame. Through the deft use of brushwork, color, and light, Sargent embodies the essence of the Realist movement, grounding the portrayal in a realism that is both tangible and captivating.
